Amantani Island Evening Fun!

The island was celebrating their yearly festival, which included costume, dance and band competitions. To get to the competition was a half hour walk on a beautiful stone path through terraced fields filled with various grains. The path was steep and gruelling. As many pictures as we took of the island we are certain that the pictures will not do justice to the beauty of the surroundings.




However, it was interesting as we continually passed the natives of the island dressed in their special finery for the ocassion. The competitions were a sight to see and listen to. We watched from above, looking down upon a socceer field. The festivites included the bands, dancers coming back to the Plaza in the evening to continue their celebrating.







We went back to our family for supper.
After supper, we tried to say no to the local custom of the families dressing up their guests in the local outfits. However, we were not successful. Gerald wore a poncho and a hat and I was dressed in a multi-layer skirt, embroidered shirt with wide belt and a shawl.





The women in this community wear shawls instead of the usual ´bowler´hats many indigenous women wear in Peru.


Back to the square we went with our new identities to participate in the dancing and the festival.






The next morning the host, Wilma, had made pancakes and were able to demonstrate how to eat the maple syrup we had brought for them from Canada. This experience was truly impactful.

Walking the steep paths, I was reminded of pacing myself, being aware of my breathing and slowing down. We were also reminded of how priviledged we are. Although, the couple we stayed with had the most amazing view of the lake the surroundings.

That morning we left and proceeded to Taquile Island.